As the second term of 2026 gets underway, education experts say Matric learners are entering a critical phase where performance can no longer be left to later in the year.
According to Dr Alucia Mabunda, Campus Head at IIE Rosebank College, the upcoming June examinations mark the first major academic checkpoint for Matrics and set the tone for the remainder of the year.
“The real work of Matric begins in earnest now. This is not a year where performance suddenly matters in September, but a full-year campaign,” Mabunda said.
“These mid-year exams cover most of Term 1 and 2 work and determine whether learners enter the second half of the year with momentum or fall into catch-up mode.”
She explained that strong June results can significantly influence a learner’s trajectory, from academic confidence to university prospects.
“Perform well and your APS strengthens, your confidence grows, and your university options open up. Struggle now and you risk spending the rest of the year trying to recover,” she said.
She added that the June exams are especially important because they provide the first formal indication of performance that universities and bursary providers consider, while also highlighting gaps in learning early enough to address them before final exams.
Mabunda outlined several strategies learners can use to prepare effectively, stressing the importance of discipline and consistency.
She urged Matrics to treat their preparation like a full exam season, not casual study time, recommending structured daily study blocks and timed practice papers.
“Stop studying only when you feel like it. Create a proper exam simulation timetable and treat June like the finals,” she said.
She also emphasised mastering core concepts before attempting past papers, particularly in subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, languages and History.
“June exams test understanding, not memorisation. If the foundation is weak now, every paper becomes a struggle later,” she said.
Finally, she encouraged learners to identify and prioritise weaker subjects, rather than only focusing on their strengths.
“Be honest about where you are struggling and give those subjects attention immediately. Turning around even one weak subject can dramatically improve your overall results and future opportunities,” she said.
“Starting strong builds habits, confidence and momentum. If learners lock in now, the second half of Matric becomes about refining success, not rescuing the year,” she said.
Saturday Star